What if you could step into the private world of a renowned figure in Parisian art? Sotheby’s Paris is hosting a major exhibition-sale celebrating Jean-Marie Rossi, the celebrated Parisian antique dealer who passed away in 2022. The event runs from March 5 to March 11, 2026. It takes place at two iconic locations: at Sotheby’s, located at 83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, and at the Galerie Aveline on Place Beauvau, where Rossi spent much of his career. The auction will be conducted in two stages: in person on March 10 and 11, and online on March 11.
This exhibition brings together for the very first time works from both the gallery and the Rueil-Malmaison residence, where he enjoyed hosting artists, collectors, and friends. Visitors will discover a captivating blend of eras and styles: from 18th-century French furniture crafted by renowned names such as Bernard Van Riesen Burgh, Criaerd, and Montigny, to modern and contemporary pieces by Jean Fautrier, Paul Jouve, and Carlo Bugatti. Curated as a journey into the artistic tastes of a man with a keen eye, this selection offers a fascinating glimpse into his eclectic collection.
Several standout pieces among the exhibits catch the eye. Notably, Jean Fautrier’s Head of a Hostage No. 19 (1945), valued between 400,000 and 600,000 euros, draws particular attention, as does Up and Down (1959)—two works that highlight the importance of the artist within the Rossi collection. Another highlight is Sacred Elephants of Madura (1926), a massive work by Paul Jouve originally created as part of the décor for a private mansion, which once adorned the glass-walled salon of Rossi’s home.
When it comes to furniture, each piece tells its own unique story: a Louis XV chest of drawers once owned by the Baron Hottinguer, a sleek writing desk attributed to Noël Gérard from Hubert de Givenchy’s collection, and a Carlo Bugatti table originally created to showcase his son Rembrandt’s sculptures. The entire display is curated by François-Joseph Graf, a decorator closely linked to Rossi. He envisioned a presentation that reflects the collector’s spirit: free-flowing, elegant, devoid of any strict chronological hierarchy.
To mark this event, a new book has been published: Brief Encounters. 65 Years of Discoveries by Jean-Marie Rossi for the Aveline Gallery, authored by Christophe Huchet de Quénetain. The volume revisits key milestones in Rossi’s illustrious career, showcasing a selection of his most iconic works. It is co-published by Feu et Talent and Gourcuff Gradenigo, two distinguished publishers specializing in art heritage.
Her children, Marella Rossi, Fritz Rossi, and Cynthia Rossi, share a personal reflection on their connection to this collection: "We grew up surrounded by these objects, which were as much a part of her life as of her work. Seeing them all together today, for the first time, feels incredibly moving." This family perspective offers visitors an intimate context to deepen their understanding of this curated selection.
This exhibition invites visitors to explore a thoughtfully curated collection that functions as a space for dialogue between different eras and artistic forms—without a prescribed guide or fixed path. It offers a perspective, a way of bringing together, and harmonizing the old and the contemporary without pitting them against each other. Visitors are free to find their own echoes, curiosities, or inspirations within the works and the stories they continue to tell.
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Dates and Opening Time
From March 5, 2026 to March 11, 2026
Location
Sotheby's
83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris 8
Access
Metro 9 or 13 Miromesnil
Prices
Free
Official website
www.sothebys.com
